We want to hear your thoughts on the proposed content for the new Natural History GCSE.
In June 2026, the Department for Education (DfE) released the proposed subject content for the new Natural History GCSE for consultation, and we want to hear from people with the experience or expertise to help shape the Geological Society's response.
Natural history is the observational study of how our planet has evolved and how it continues to change. It seeks to understand how life and environments interact over time, offering students an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Earth and species that inhabit it.
The relevance of the geosciences to the concept of natural history is clear. We want to make sure that geoscience is properly included and represented within the proposed subject content.
We want to hear from you
We have created a form for people to share their views with us. We hope that the geoscience community will take the opportunity to review the proposed content and help ensure geosciences are appropriately represented.
By completing this form, you will have the opportunity to tell us what you think about the proposed subject content, including its aims, requirements, proposed scope and techniques. You can also let us know your views on the proposed fieldwork requirements and whether the proposed framework is well suited for groups with specific protected characteristics. We are also interested in understanding whether the proposed content could impact both habitats, ecosystems and wildlife throughout the UK.
Please tell us your thoughts by filling in the survey by Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Tell us your thoughts
Go to surveyWhile anyone can complete this form, we would particularly welcome responses from those with experience in secondary education, teacher training, parents and carers, and students.
Please ensure you have read the proposed subject content before responding to the form. You can find relevant documentation on the proposed subject document by scrolling to the end of the Department for Education's page.
Review the Natural History GCSE subject content
Background
This consultation follows a proposal submitted in 2020 by Cambridge OCR, one of the UK's largest examination boards, to develop a Natural History GCSE. In March 2025, the Department for Education announced that subject content for the new qualification would be developed and consulted on.
The proposed GCSE will offer Key Stage 4 students the opportunity to study themes such as biodiversity and past and present environments, and to explore the relationships between nature and populations. Teaching is expected to begin in September 2028.